Hello, this is Representative Staush Gruszynski with this week’s Democratic Address.

Earlier this week, we celebrated Earth Day in Wisconsin and around the world.

Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson created this national day of action back in 1970 – solidifying our state’s reputation as a leader for conservation.

Our state cherishes this rich history of defending and preserving Wisconsin's water, air, and public lands.

We know that access to clean water at our taps and clean air to breathe are essential to the quality of life we enjoy here.

Wisconsin’s natural resources are also a key driving force behind the success of our tourism and outdoor recreation industries and broader economic development statewide.

But our responsibility for conserving and protecting our natural resources is not limited to one day.

As we confront today’s environmental challenges, we need to look to Wisconsin conservation icons like Gaylord Nelson and Aldo Leopold, but we also need to look forward, to future generations that we will never meet.

We need to recognize that our actions today are directly linked to the world that we leave behind.

As we reflect on Earth Day, let us also commit to doing our part to ensure that our environmental legacy is one worth celebrating.